“Not all who wander are lost.”
“Not all who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien
“Where you are isn’t where you’ll be. Even if no one else understands the path you’re taking - that’s okay. Because if you’re at peace, you are exactly where you’re supposed to be.”
My dream job growing up was to become a pediatrician. I majored in Biology/Pre-Medicine but had a “Come to Jesus” moment my junior year in college that changed everything. I felt God telling me He had more for me, and that practicing medicine was not the path I should take. Healthcare would still be a part of the plan, but not how I originally dreamed. I remember asking him, “God, what can be better than being a doctor?” And I remember him telling me to trust him.
He told me to write down the business plan He was revealing and to focus my time and efforts on business operations instead of practicing medicine. So, when I graduated college, that’s what I did. I applied for entry level jobs at different companies, and I did side jobs (braiding, babysitting) so I could have some money coming in. But then, one day in November, I got a call from Emory Healthcare that changed everything…
I remember the moments leading up to this phone call. I was having trouble finding work, and decided to just “let go, and let God.” I also remember saying to myself, “Dress like the job you want” - so I started shopping for, and wearing, clothes I thought I would wear in a corporate role. I needed my mind to be there before I physically got there.
During my resting period of letting go and enjoying my birthday celebrations, an unexpected call came through. A recruiter from Emory called and said they came across my resume and wanted to know if I would be interested in an open position. I told them I was available, and they interviewed me on the spot. They then asked me if I could come in the next day for an in-person interview. After that interview, I was asked to come in the following day to meet with the COO.
Everything was moving so fast! I couldn’t believe it! And everything didn’t happen because I was running full speed ahead, the blessing came in my resting. God was testing my heart and showing me His love at the same time. He wanted to give me an opportunity to trust Him. He wanted me to know that He was my source, and that trust and faith are the two most important currencies He cares about. I knew that if I could be still and trust Him regardless of my circumstance, all would be well. Looking back now, after working with this company for almost 7 years and seeing how my career has progressed - I owe it all, and every promotion, to not being afraid of being still.
In times when you feel like you’re being overlooked, I want you to know that God doesn’t withhold any good thing from His children (Psalm 84:11). He’s either preparing you for the blessing, or He’s preparing the blessing for you. Sometimes you may find yourself in the dark, of not knowing what to do or when to move, but if you place your trust in the one who knows the end from the beginning - He’ll lead you to the path that’s been carefully crafted just for you.
Others may sometimes see you as lost, but “wandering” can mean trusting. Trusting in the only one who can lead you from where you are, to where He wants you to be. Don’t be afraid to trust the process He’s taking you through. You’re not lost. You’ve just been given an opportunity to trust God in the dark.
Be still. Activate your faith. Listen for His direction and let God lead.
